China reluctant to specify other forms of support for Iran beyond political backing
Beijing (ANTARA) — The Chinese Foreign Ministry declined to elaborate on any forms of support, beyond political backing, that Beijing has provided to Iran following the attacks by the United States and Israel.
“China opposes the United States and Israel military strikes against Iran, which violate international law. We support Iran in safeguarding its sovereignty, security, territorial integrity, and national dignity, and in upholding its legitimate rights and interests in accordance with the law,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at a press briefing in Beijing on Friday, 6 March.
Mao Ning responded to questions about remarks by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi that Russia and China continue to support Iran politically in the face of the US and Israel military operations in the Middle East.
However Mao Ning did not explain what forms of support beyond politics are being provided to Iran.
“China consistently advocates resolving problems through political and diplomatic means. We call for an immediate halt to military actions to prevent the conflict from spreading and escalating, and to avoid further escalation,” Mao Ning added.
Regarding the current tensions in the Middle East, Mao Ning also emphasised that the involved parties should maintain security and stability in the region, including the Hormuz Strait, to serve the interests of the international community.
“The Strait of Hormuz and the surrounding waters are an important international trade route for goods and energy. China urges the relevant parties to immediately halt military operations, avoid further escalation and prevent regional turmoil that could cause greater damage to global economic growth,” Mao Ning stated.
He also announced that the Chinese government had assessed its citizens stranded in several Middle Eastern countries due to travel disruptions.
“With the concerted efforts of various parties, positive progress has been made. On the night of 4 March, nearly 300 Chinese citizens arrived safely in Guangzhou from Dubai aboard international flights. Air China, China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines and Hainan Airlines have gradually resumed round-trips to countries including the United Arab Emirates, Oman and Saudi Arabia from 5 March,” Mao Ning explained.
He reminded Chinese citizens to avoid travel to countries and regions affected by military conflict as the Middle East remains highly complex with considerable uncertainty.
U.S. President Donald Trump himself said he had ‘no time limit’ on how long the war with Iran would last in an interview with media in the United States.
Earlier this week, Trump said he expected the US-Israel strike against Iran would last four to five weeks. The operation has been ongoing since 28 February 2026, resulting in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and at least 926 civilians.
Trump also outlined some aims of the conflict, including preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons or ballistic missiles, and installing ‘someone who is rational and sane’ to lead Iran, the report said.
He stressed that Washington does not want a ‘leading candidate’ who would rebuild Iran within 10 years.
Iran itself has responded to the US-Israel strikes by launching drones and missiles targeting Israel and Gulf states where US military assets are located.